Erin Parro Photography - Book a Shoot

Chicago-Based Photographer - Proposals, Engagements, Graduation, Headshots, Families & Travel

Chicago Photographer

Chicago-based photographer specializing in outdoor, natural light engagement, proposal, couples, and family photo sessions. From surprise proposals on the Riverwalk to golden hour family shoots in Lincoln Park, I capture candid, timeless moments in the city’s most iconic locations. Whether you're visiting or local to Chicago, book your personalized photo session today and turn meaningful moments into lasting memories.

Inside a historic building with a large stained glass skylight, two people stand on a second-floor balcony near the center, surrounded by ornate architectural details.
A happy couple standing closely together on a grassy area near a lake, with a city skyline featuring tall modern buildings in the background.

Services Offered

    • Proposal Photography
      Discreet coverage of your surprise proposal, plus a mini portrait session afterward.

    • Engagement Sessions
      Relaxed, romantic photo sessions that reflect your relationship and love story.

    • Anniversary Sessions
      Celebrate your milestones with a beautiful shoot that captures your continued love.

    • Family Portraits
      Fun, candid, and timeless images of your family in a natural setting.

    • Maternity Sessions
      Document this incredible chapter with elegant and emotive photos.

    • Extended Family Sessions
      Great for reunions or multi-generational portraits — we’ll make everyone feel included.

    • Graduation Portraits
      Celebrate your achievement with a session that reflects your personality and future goals.

    • Professional Headshots
      Clean, natural portraits for LinkedIn, business profiles, or personal branding.

    • Personal Branding Sessions
      Perfect for creatives, entrepreneurs, or anyone building a visual identity.

    • Short, styled sessions offered on select dates — ideal for holiday cards or quick updates.

    • Chicago Visitors & Vacation Sessions
      Visiting the Windy City? Let me capture your experience with a lifestyle session in some of Chicago’s most iconic (or hidden gem) locations. Perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, or proposals — I’ll help you choose the best backdrops, from Lake Michigan views and skyline spots to charming neighborhoods and vibrant murals. A fun way to remember your trip beyond the selfies!

    • Travel Sessions & Destination Bookings
      Want me to come to you? I’m available for travel throughout the U.S. and internationally for proposals, engagements, family vacations, and special milestones. Whether it’s a mountain overlook, beachside vow exchange, or your favorite city abroad, I love working with clients who want meaningful moments documented wherever they are in the world.

A picturesque outdoor wedding setup in a park with trees, decorated with white ribbons, featuring a central arch with flowing fabric, colorful rugs on wooden logs forming a semi-circle seating arrangement, and chairs set on the grass, creating a rust
A man proposing marriage to a woman by a riverfront, with city skyscrapers in the background during sunset.
Long outdoor dining table decorated with flowers, candles, and table settings under string lights and chandeliers in a lush garden.
A smiling couple embracing outdoors near a pond surrounded by greenery and blooming plants.
Decorative outdoor setup with candles, flowers, a microphone, and log stumps, likely for a ceremony or event.
An outdoor dining table set for four with woven placemats, white plates, orange napkins, and gold utensils. The table is decorated with a bouquet of colorful flowers and dried citrus slices, with scattered dried leaves and slices on the table.
A woman with long dark hair wearing a black embroidered floral top and black pants walks on a wooden pathway through a lush green garden with various plants and purple flowers overhead.
Engagement photos (2).png
A couple walking hand-in-hand on a grassy area near a body of water with a city skyline in the background.
Close-up of a man and woman holding hands outdoors, showing a wedding ring on the woman's finger.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a forest, with a decorated arch, rugs on the grass, logs with painted semi-circle patterns, and white bows tied around trees.
A couple embracing by the water with a city skyline, including the tallest building in Chicago, in the background.
Outdoor wedding setup with a welcome sign for Amy and Tyler, wedding program booklets, and candles on tree stumps in a wooded area.
Long outdoor banquet table decorated with candles, flowers, and tableware in a backyard surrounded by trees with string lights and chandeliers hanging overhead at dusk.
A man and woman standing by a body of water in an urban setting, opening a bottle of champagne and smiling.
Outdoor backyard setup with trees decorated with string lights and hanging mirrors, a colorful raised dance floor, a brown leather couch on the left, and tables with drinks and decorations in the background.
A woman with long dark hair smiling among green leafy plants.
Outdoor event table centerpiece featuring candles in glass holders arranged on tree stumps, with a guest table set with plates, glasses, and flowers in the background.
A woman in a lace wedding dress embraces a man in a white shirt with dark hair, in a room with windows, during a heartfelt moment.
Long outdoor dining table decorated with flowers, candles, and table settings, hanging string lights and chandeliers in a garden or backyard party setting during evening.
Woman in light blue jumpsuit walking on cobblestone street, smiling, wearing sunglasses, with a vibrant red wall and streetlamp in background.
An outdoor backyard party setup in the evening. There are string lights and paper lanterns hanging from trees, with a decorated wooden dance floor at the center. To the right, there's a red sofa with pillows, and in the background, there are tables w
Outdoor banquet table decorated with flowers, candles, and tableware, set in a wooded area during autumn.
A man and woman standing in an office, facing away from the camera. The woman is wearing a white lace dress with a bow in her hair. The man is wearing glasses and a light-colored shirt with dark piping.
Outdoor wedding setup with chairs and tables arranged under tall trees, decorated with white fabric and ribbons, on a grassy field during daytime.
A smiling couple standing on a grassy area by a body of water with a city skyline in the background, posing for the camera with their arms around each other.
Outdoor party setup with disco balls hanging from trees, a red velvet couch with pillows, a small table with flowers, candles on logs, a canoe with flowers, and a colorful rug on the grass in a wooded area.
A wicker basket containing several wedding welcome cards addressed to Amy and Tyler, dated October 12, 2024.

 FAQs

  • My standard sessions include high-resolution edited images, a private online gallery for viewing and downloading, and full printing rights. You’ll also receive a planning guide with tips on locations, wardrobe, and what to expect.

  • Most shoots last 45–60 minutes, but I also offer extended packages if you're looking for multiple locations or outfit changes. Proposals often vary, so we’ll plan around your timing and surprise details.

  • Absolutely! I love helping clients find the perfect backdrop. I’ll suggest scenic spots based on the vibe you're going for and recommend the best times for lighting (usually golden hour!).

  • You’ll receive your full gallery within 2–3 weeks, but I always send a handful of sneak peeks within a few days so you have something to share and enjoy right away.

  • I totally understand that life and weather happen! I offer flexible rescheduling and will work with you to find the next best time that works for both of us.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a wooded area with logs for seating, decorative rugs on the ground, a fabric-draped arch, and white tulle bows tied to trees.
A man and woman standing outdoors in a lush garden with various green plants and flowers, smiling at the camera.
A man and woman leaning on a balcony railing, smiling and looking at each other, with a closed wooden door behind them.

Let’s work together

Floral arrangement of white flowers and green hydrangeas in a dark blue and clear glass vase on an outdoor table with dried citrus slices scattered around.
A smiling couple standing by the water with a city skyline of Chicago in the background.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Erin Parro - a travel storyteller, content creator, and lifestyle photographer based in Chicago.

Through my brand, The Scenic Route Traveler, I’ve spent years capturing the in-between moments that make life and travel truly unforgettable. I’ve explored 51 countries across six continents, and while those adventures have shaped my perspective behind the lens, I’ve found equal beauty in the quiet, everyday moments right here at home in Chicago.

That same storytelling approach I bring to travel, I also bring to photography sessions. Whether I’m photographing a surprise proposal or a candid family session, my goal is always the same: to document meaningful moments as they naturally unfold. The laughs in between poses, the breeze catching your hair, the way you look at someone you love- those are the shots that last.

I offer photo sessions throughout Chicago and beyond, and I love working with couples, families, and individuals to capture this moment in time, exactly as it is, beautifully and authentically.

A woman with long auburn hair, wearing a white shirt and light blue jeans, sitting on a black chair, holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, with a subtle smile on her face against a plain light-colored wall.